Natural Disaster Preparedness (Communicable Diseases)
A natural disaster refers to a natural event such as an earthquake, hurricane, or a flood, which causes loss of lives and significant damage to property. Hurricanes are a natural disaster likely to impact my community. Hurricanes are large swirling storms that form over warm ocean waters and are often given various names depending on their location and strength (Federal Emergency Management Agency, 2016). A community registered nurse aids in community preparedness or response to hurricanes in several ways as discussed; first is by informing members of the community the exact disaster that is likely to occur. While this is considered to be part of the preparation, it enables members of the community to get ready for it (Federal Emergency Management Agency, 2016).
Secondly, a registered nurse can educate community members on evacuation areas and shelter locations. By knowing these escape routes, it provides an opportunity for members to regroup for an evacuation immediately. She can also educate community members on how to reconnect with important people in their lives (Federal Emergency Management Agency, 2016). This aims at informing the close family that you are alright and knowing how they are. By providing out-of-area emergency contacts, community members would be in a position effectively communicate. A CHN should also have an emergency kit and know how to use t it for the purposes of providing first aid to victims in need (Federal Emergency Management Agency, 2016).
Question 5
Dengue Hemorrhagic fever, a potentially deadly infection spread by a mosquito, Aedes aegypti, is known to cause pandemics during outbreaks. With a single case of dengue fever, a CHN should isolate the infected individual from the public to avoid public contact and further spread of the disease (Federal Emergency Management Agency, 2016). A CHN should advocate the use of protective clothing when nursing the infected individual as well as for close family members who come to visit him/her. She should immediately report the single case of dengue fever to relevant authorities at the state level. This will prompt speedy interventions in containing the spread of the disease and finding contacts or any other individuals likely to be infected (Federal Emergency Management Agency, 2016).
Question 6
Owing to the fact that my community has established procedures that are followed during a potential outbreak or disaster, I would conclude that it is well prepared. There exist several local and state emergency contacts and assembly points specifically for disasters and epidemics (Federal Emergency Management Agency, 2016).
Additionally, the state has an emergency response team that works to frequently update the residents on any upcoming events and what to do. This team has all the informational, technological, and human resources to respond to disasters or outbreaks effectively, and it is highly responsive.
References
Federal Emergency Management Agency. (2016). Ready: Prepare. Plan. Stay Informed.
Available at http://www.ready.gov/. Accessed on 29/4/2020
Federal Emergency Management Agency. (2016). Pandemic. Available at
http://www.ready.gov/pandemic. Accessed on 29/4.2020